Based in Delhi, the vibrant cultural hub of India, this collective is a concept and an aesthetic which brings together artists and artists’ philosophy from diverse backgrounds to explore captivating concepts, styles, and mediums for conveying powerful messages through music. Their innovative concept revolves around bringing together like-minded artists from diverse backgrounds to create, record, and perform original works that transcend traditional genre boundaries. Comprising Divij Kapoor on the upright bass, Shantanu Sudarshan on drums, and the composer Shonai on piano, this trio represents a fusion of diverse genres and creativity. Their current endeavor aims to culminate in the release of a full-length album, showcasing original compositions. What sets this collective apart is their refusal to be pigeonholed into a single musical category. Their sound is a dynamic blend influenced by a myriad of genres, including modern classical, impressionism, pop, R&B, soul, bebop, and funk, all within the framework of a traditional acoustic jazz setting. A significant portion of their work is marked by improvisation, a clear reflection of Shonai's diverse influences in the world of jazz. This improvisational spirit infuses their music with a sense of spontaneity, intensity, and complexity, creating a sound that defies easy categorization. Each piece crafted by this collective embarks on a unique narrative journey, exploring a wide spectrum of human experiences. Their artistry goes beyond mere music; it carries a profound message of unity and inclusivity, emphasizing the importance of valuing individuals for who they are beyond factors like ethnicity, color, religious beliefs, or cultural customs. Their approach to music is a reflection of life's unpredictable nature, where adaptability is key. Their compositions are a testament to the ability of human beings to navigate the uncharted waters of existence, much like the improvisational nature of their music. In essence, this Delhi-based collective is not just a musical group; they are artists who are breaking boundaries, challenging conventions, and spreading a message of harmony through their innovative, genre-defying compositions. As they continue to push the boundaries of artistic expression, their work serves as a reminder that true creativity knows no limits, and the power of collaboration can forge connections that transcend the boundaries of tradition and expectation. Today, this dynamic trio continues to captivate audiences with frequent performances while diligently crafting their eagerly awaited full album, set to grace listeners' ears in March 2023. Their journey is a testament to their passion and dedication to pushing the boundaries of musical creativity.
"Shonai nailed it at The Piano Man last night. Shonai with his trio had made people swing to their tune last night...The show was pretty good.. Shonai was a hit last night"
-Amuze Records review
" We’re introduced to Kolkata trio Shonai a bit late in the album, but their groovy piano-led tunes add a funky touch to Foxtrot Project V2 with ‘Walking on Air’ and a tribute to... legend Carlton Kitto with the sombre but gratitude-filled ‘An Ode to Mr. Kitto’. "
- The Hindu
"....impressive Jazz trio which features you playing jazz Piano, along with upright bass and drums, displays your fine musicianship, your command and technical piano keyboard skills, the rhythmic stability and your musical imagination, which all combined, allows the other fine musicians to combine and perform to a high and professional standard throughout all of the recorded/live performances. These improvisatory /arrangements and compositions are always very well scored, highly musically effective, whether they consist of exciting and upbeat pieces, or indeed pieces which require a much slower tempo and perhaps more reflective in style. The rich and effective jazz harmonic and dissonant textures and tonality, the form, structure and rhythmic interest /drive that you consistently display are always interesting to listen to and are musically very pleasing too. The melodies are always prominently and effectively placed within the harmonic textures within these impressive arrangements, plus the musical ensemble and balance are always excellent and very tight between the musicians and their instruments in these fine performances. "
- Dr. Ian Higginson (Principal: Three Counties School of Music)
"Arunava 'Shonai' Chatterjee's collective played tunes from its forthcoming album, Epiphany, which unspooled itself as an introspective journey mapped with care and finesse by Shifumi Saito's definitive phrasings on the double bass, and the contemplative, instinctively low-key stick work by Shantanu Sudarshan on his drum kit — particularly the cymbals. The Shonai Collective (he has since moved from Kolkata to Delhi) is a devoted messenger of straight-ahead classic jazz yet unafraid to explore and purposefully stray into territory it can then call its own. We will be looking forward to Epiphany."
- The Telegraph Online
"In a true show of global boundaries being blurred, New Delhi-based, West Bengal-origin pianist-composer Shonai teams up with artists from Japan and Kerala to release his collective’s album Epiphany via Belgian label Off. The Shonai Collective paint with intricacy across eight tracks, nodding to bebop, minimalism and modern jazz. “Absence” and “Hope” immediately catch any jazz listener’s attention, “One fo the Lil One” starts like a lullaby but gets playful. Drummer Shantanu Sudarshan shines on “No Dose,” while the tempo gets nostalgic on “Hymn of Dreams.” Shonai, who is also part of Kolkata jazz experimentalists The Bodhisattwa Trio, shows a different side on Epiphany, emoting brilliantly on the bebop-informed “The Reverend Man” and experimenting a bit on “Syogyo-mujo.” The best way to end a wide-ranging album called Epiphany, of course, would be to speak through the philosophy of Swami Vivekananda, sampled low and distorted on “Freedom Jazz Trance.”
-Rolling Stone India
